I wanted to come on here and break down everything I’ve been doing for the past couple months, because I’ve made a couple changes to my regimen and it seems to really be helping me to retain my length I’ve been gaining! Which I don’t know about you guys, but that has been the most difficult part for me since I started my Hair Journey ( both Relaxed and Natural). I would grow my hair out, but it would break at the same length each time.(Usually around neck length) So, I think I may have finally found the key for growing AND retaining my length, so let’s get into those tips.

As you all know, I have been rocking mini twists for months now. Since back in August when I noticed the turn around in my hair after just 2 weeks of wearing them, I decided to see how much length I could gain from only wearing mini two strand twists for 90 days. This in itself has enabled me to manipulate my hair less and the convenience of never having to do my hair! (Which I love!!) I can wear my hair “loose” without the use of heat, I can wear my hair in a bun, a ponytail, and the updos are endless. All of these styles can be done with banana clips, bobby pins and your fingers, no hair tools needed! Which means no breakage! This will forever be one of my favorite hairstyles and once the 90 day challenge is up, I plan on continuing to mini twist my hair when I feel my hair needs a break from being touched and manipulated. If you are someone who loves to touch and brush/comb your hair daily, I highly suggest you trying out mini twists. I too am guilty of having the “hand in hair” disease, but once I started mini-twisting I was able to shake the habit and just let my hair be. Mini-twists have truly changed my hair life!

In the theme of “letting my hair be”, i’ve also been washing less. Co-washing, shampooing, deep conditioning, detangling–although all these things are great and very necessary, I’ve found that once I started washing less, my hair has been thriving and growing more. All of those things that I listed above are what we need to keep our hair healthy and growing but I believe if overdone they can do more harm than good. At one point I was washing once a week and my hair was super dry and growing at less than the normal rate. I was stripping the oils and all the benefits from my hair before they were able to nourish it. Now, I push for about 3-4 weeks before I complete my full wash day process and I’m noticing significant hair growth and overall more healthy looking hair.

When washing your hair less, it’s important to try not to weigh down your hair with super thick products. Find a light, sprayable leave ins to moisturize your hair with daily. I prefer using a DIY spray but any light leave-in that can be misted should work.

Here are some great moisturizing agents that are great for natural hair.

Rose Water

Aloe Vera Juice

H20

Glycerine mixed with H20

I do the L.O.C. method every night to keep my hair moisturized. I’ll first spray my liquid DIY leave-in spray mix, then take my organic Coconut Oil and apply that over top to lock in that moisture. This keeps my twists looking healthy and shiny.

Once a week, usually on the weekend, I will apply my oil mix to my scalp. My oil mix consists of Avocado, JBCO, Grapeseed, and Olive. After applied, I will lightly massage my scalp with my fingertips for about one minute.

When it comes to styling your hair, it is extremely important to switch up the styles you’re doing. If you have a low bun one day, wear a middle bun the next, then a side bun after that. You do not want to put the same stress in the same position every day. Prior to me changing my regimen, I was wearing a slick faux kanekalon bun daily. I would wet my hair with a spray bottle, slick down my edges and twist one side of my bangs. I was doing this every single day. This style began breaking the crown of my hair and thinning out the front of my hairline. After adding in mini-twisting I’ve been wearing different updos and styles to prevent my hair from being stressed and breaking. I also limit my use of hair ties. Banana clips have become my favorite hair accessory. They aren’t too tight and allow your hair to breath while keeping your hair in place.

This is pretty much all I do and although it looks like a lot, I hardly touch my hair on a daily basis!

We’re almost there ladies, soon I’ll be coming to you guys with a straight hair update! (Ahh!!) How has the 90-day challenge been going for you’ll? Lets finish strong!! Leave any questions or comments below!

I agree with this. I used to do the same thing. Do mini twists and moisturize them for a month and I would do this each month and I saw my hair had retained much length. Haven’t got to do it much since I started working and going to school but I’ll be sure be getting back on the low manipulation method – I need to see some length since I had recently gotten rid of the damaged ends. Your hair looks beautiful. 🙂

I’ve been doing micro twist with my hair. I have 4a 4b hair. The smaller ones don’t frizzy as fast. I find that I can leave them in for a long time. Just the install takes forever but once it’s done I get a long break. Right now I’ve washed them for the first time deep condition and let them dry. Now I’m taking them out one at a time getting out the shed hair and twisting it back up. I plan to do this all summer.

I started twisting out of sheer laziness. I just wanted to wear a style for long stretches without having to do my hair every morning. I’m on my second set in a row. I started in July. I just took out some that I kept for a month and half. I retained all my length! I love that I can do everything to my twisted hair just as if it were loose. Washing, Deep conditioning and moisturizing is a breeze. I think I’ll do this till the beginning of the year to get me over the mbl purgatory I’ve been in. I’m going to twist myself right back to waist length!